The Impulso Podcast

In this in-depth episode of The Impulso Podcast, we dive into the rapid expansion of TikTok's e-commerce business and its ambitions to more than quadruple its e-commerce GMV to $20 billion this year. We explore the strategic focus of TikTok Shop and its impact on the global e-commerce landscape. First, we discuss the success story of author Adam Beskwick, who found immense growth and new readership for his books by leveraging TikTok. He shares how the platform elevated his books and allowed him to transition from his nursing career to full-time writing. We also delve into the effectiveness of TikTok Shop as a direct selling platform, with Adam revealing his revenue success and the convenience it offers to consumers. Next, we analyze TikTok's recent announcement of its "all-inclusive" consignment model, similar to Temu's approach. We explore the rationale behind this strategic move, including the competitive dynamics and market expansion goals of both platforms. We examine how Temu's aggressive global presence may have influenced TikTok's decision to enter the US market, and the challenges TikTok Shop might face as it seeks to establish a stronghold in North America. In our upcoming TikTok Shop report, we address key questions such as TikTok's heavy focus on e-commerce, its strategic approach, revenue generation, differentiation from other platforms, and how existing e-commerce players can defend against TikTok's rise. We also draw insights from Douyin's successful e-commerce breakthrough in China and discuss how brands can effectively collaborate with TikTok Shop compared to other established platforms like Shopee and Lazada. Hear a sneak peek of its contents on today’s episodes. Despite facing political challenges and security concerns, TikTok's foray into e-commerce in the US holds strategic significance. By forging profitable alliances with American merchants and brands, TikTok aims to build strong alliances and counter critics while expanding its e-commerce foothold. Join us for a comprehensive exploration of TikTok Shop's rise and its impact on the evolving e-commerce landscape, uncovering the strategic moves and potential implications for businesses, brands, and consumers. Referenced in this episode:   Ecommerce in Southeast Asia 2023 https://momentum.asia/product/ecommerce-in-southeast-asia-2023/   What exactly are TikTok, Shopee, Lazada all trying to copy from Temu? https://thelowdown.momentum.asia/what-exactly-are-tiktok-shopee-lazada-all-trying-to-copy-from-temu/   What does Temu’s rise mean for Amazon, SHEIN, Shopee and TikTok Shop? https://thelowdown.momentum.asia/what-does-temus-rise-mean-for-amazon-shein-shopee-and-tiktok-shop/   How will TikTok triple its ecommerce GMV in SE Asia in 2023? https://thelowdown.momentum.asia/how-will-tiktok-triple-its-ecommerce-gmv-in-se-asia-in-2023/   TikTok Shop starts copying Temu… in the Middle East https://thelowdown.momentum.asia/tiktok-shop-starts-copying-temu-in-the-middle-east/

Welcome to The Impulso Podcast’s weekly recap episode, where we bring you the latest updates and developments from the dynamic world of technology and business. Join us as we explore the most significant news and events shaping the industry and discuss their implications for the Southeast Asian tech landscape. In this episode, we kick off by diving into Meituan's recent acquisition of Light Year, an artificial intelligence (AI) company founded by its co-founder, Wang Huiwen. With a deal worth $234 million in cash, Meituan aims to leverage Light Year's AI capabilities to enhance its existing products and services. We examine the motivations behind the acquisition and the potential impact it may have on Meituan's position in the race to develop generative AI services. Next, we shift our focus to Lazada's new CEO in Indonesia, James Chang. With over 11 years of experience at Lazada, including co-founding and managing Lazada Indonesia, Chang's appointment brings seasoned leadership to the company. We explore Chang's background, his vision for Lazada Indonesia, and his plans to help Indonesian businesses grow and succeed in the e-commerce space. Lastly, we delve into Cainiao, a logistics company launched by Alibaba Group. We discuss Cainiao's mission to build the world's most efficient and reliable logistics network, its global operations, and the services it is planning to offer, including domestic and international parcel delivery, cross-border e-commerce logistics, warehousing, and supply chain management. We highlight recent initiatives by Cainiao, such as launching a 5-day global delivery service, opening smart logistics hubs in Asia and Europe, partnering with DHL, and investing in blockchain technology. Join us on a journey through the weekly highlights of the Southeast Asian tech industry, as we uncover the strategies, acquisitions, and innovations that shape the region's dynamic business and tech landscape. Referenced in this episode: Meituan: Finding Business Clarity https://momentum.asia/product/meituan_finding_business_clarity/   Lazada appoints new CEO for Indonesia https://thelowdown.momentum.asia/lazada-appoints-new-ceo-for-indonesia/   Why did Meituan buy a generative AI company? https://thelowdown.momentum.asia/why-did-meituan-buy-a-generative-ai-company/ Ecommerce in Southeast Asia 2023: https://momentum.asia/product/ecommerce-in-southeast-asia-2023/

Jungan Lee, the founder and CEO of Temu, shares insights on the company’s dynamic culture and strategic expansion from its roots in Pinduoduo. They discuss how Temu's unique work ethic drives a high-performance environment, including the quirky nickname culture that fuels competition among teams. The conversation reveals the challenges of international expansion and the impact of a demanding work culture, with reflections on past overworking incidents. Jungan also highlights the differences in management styles and the company's future in global markets.

Join us for a special episode of The Impulso Podcast as we take a comprehensive look at the first half of 2023. In this exciting recap, we delve into the top news and tech topics that have shaped the year so far, providing insights and analysis that will keep you informed about the latest trends and developments. We start with a quick overview of the global financial markets, examining the year-to-date performance of NASDAQ, NYSE, and Hang Seng. With this, we set the backdrop for the tech landscape we explore next. We then dive into the top news and tech topics that have dominated conversations in 2023. We start with AI, the unrivaled topic of the year. Explore how the conversation around AI has evolved and transformed, uncovering the latest advancements, breakthroughs, and ethical considerations that are shaping the future. From taking over jobs to being debated in congress, a lot has certainly changed since January. What happened to SVB? It seemed like Silicon Valley Bank’s impending doom was all anyone could talk about months ago. Find out where they stand now, and what the sentiment around banks sounds like today.  And, how about Adani? Remember that crazy report that came out earlier this year that accused the group of fraud, and so much more?  Of course, it wouldn’t be a 2023 half year recap without the topic of layoffs. They have been top of mind across many industries, but especially and most recently tech, with startling numbers from the United States to Southeast Asia. Discover the implications and ripple effects of these events on the business and tech landscape, and gain a deeper understanding of their significance, and the short term memory of the news cycle. On a lighter note, we shift gears to discuss films and media in 2023. From blockbuster releases to streaming service wars, we explore the most exciting releases of 2023. Gain insights into evolving consumer habits, and revolutionary new apps that are dominating Gen Z’s screen time; both the Chinese, and English versions. Reflect, with us, on the major events, trends, and discussions that have shaped the first half of 2023, and let’s figure out together what they might mean for the future of business and tech in Southeast Asia. Resources referenced in today’s episode: Food Delivery in 2023: https://momentum.asia/product/food-delivery-platforms-in-southeast-asia-2023/   Ecommerce in Southeast Asia: https://momentum.asia/product/ecommerce-in-southeast-asia-2023/   The Future, by ChatGPT: https://momentum.asia/product/the-future-by-chatgpt/   Layoffs in 2023: https://techcrunch.com/2023/06/29/tech-industry-layoffs-2023/   Hindenburg Adani Report: https://hindenburgresearch.com/adani/   Muddy Waters Luckin Coffee Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LKOYMpXVo1ssbWQx8j4G3-strg6mpQ7F/view   Consumer trends by PWC: https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/industries/consumer-markets/consumer-insights-survey.html

Step into the world of business and technology in Southeast Asia with our latest episode of The Impulso Podcast, where we take another, closer look at the players examined within Momentum Works’ Ecommerce report.  Join us as we explore the dynamic landscape of the region, where key players are vying for dominance and strategic positioning in the ever-evolving ecommerce sector. In this podcast, we dive deep into the intertwined stories of major regional and country-focused players such as Shopee, Lazada, Temu, Tiktokshop, Tokopedia, Bukalapak, Tiki, and Sendo. Discover how these companies are engaging with each other and the strategies they employ to secure their positions in this fiercely competitive market. First, we uncover the influence of Alibaba's restructuring on Lazada, one of the region's leading players. With a new structure that provides autonomy to individual units while ensuring accountability, Lazada is poised to navigate the hyper-competitive market environment. We delve into the leadership dynamics between Jiang Fan, known for his ability to drive results in complex environments, and James Dong, a seasoned professional manager. Discover how Lazada's odds have improved but how it still faces challenges in this rapidly evolving landscape. Next, we examine Shopee's remarkable journey of restarting growth and achieving profitability. Explore how Shopee shifted its focus back to its core ecommerce business, strengthened its financial ecosystem to boost conversion rates, and embarked on radical cost optimization measures. However, the challenges faced by Shopee in sustaining profitability while reigniting growth, including internal issues related to people, organization, and products, raise intriguing questions. We also explore the potential arrival of Temu in Southeast Asia, as they flirt with the idea of expanding their presence. By examining the survey conducted by Temu among sellers in Southeast Asia, Japan, and Korea, we analyze the platforms they currently use and how the entry of Temu could impact existing players like Lazada, Shopee, Tokopedia, and others. We discuss the survival strategies of single-country platforms, the role of local know-how, and the possibilities of differentiation in a region dominated by well-resourced regional rivals. Ultimately, we consider whether Southeast Asia's individual country markets are large enough to support differentiation and if offline execution holds the key to success. Engage with thought-provoking discussions as we unravel the complexities of the business battle in Southeast Asia's tech industry. Referenced materials: Ecommerce in Southeast Asia: https://momentum.asia/product/ecommerce-in-southeast-asia-2023/ The Low Down blog: https://thelowdown.momentum.asia/ Who is Temu: https://momentum.asia/product/who-is-temu/

Welcome back to The Impulso Podcast, your source for the latest updates in business and technology. In this episode, we delve into a series of fascinating developments that have been making headlines. From the recent visits of Gates and Blinken in China to Alibaba's leadership reshuffle, Grab's layoffs, and the upcoming J&T Express IPO, we bring you all the key insights and analysis. We begin by highlighting the significant meeting between Bill Gates and President Xi Jinping in China. Gates, on his first visit to the country in four years, engaged in a warm and notable conversation with the Chinese leader. This encounter serves as a sharp contrast to the frosty relations between the two governments, particularly with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to China seeking to stabilize U.S.-China relations after years of tensions and conflicts. Shifting gears, we dive into the recent reshuffle of Alibaba's leadership. Joe Tsai and Eddie Wu, two co-founders, have been appointed as Chairman and CEO of the group, respectively. We explore their backgrounds and their instrumental roles within the company, with Wu's tech expertise and anticipation of increased technological innovations under his leadership. We delve into the motivations behind the restructuring, the vision articulated by outgoing CEO Daniel Zhang, and the significance of Jack Ma's return to the organization. Next, we discuss Grab's recent layoffs, where Southeast Asia's leading ride-hailing and food-delivery app announced the firing of 1,000 employees. We explore the reasons behind this decision, including the need to manage costs amidst rapid industry and technological changes. We highlight Grab's financial performance, its progress toward profitability, and its previous job cuts in response to the pandemic's impact. In another exciting development, we turn our attention to J&T Express, a rapidly growing international delivery company. We uncover its filing of a draft IPO prospectus with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, providing insights into its business operations, financials, competitive standing, and key shareholders. We touch on J&T's impressive delivery numbers, its top customers like Shopee and TikTok Shop, and the notable stakeholders involved. Join us for this captivating episode of The Impulso Podcast, where we explore the intriguing stories of Gates and Blinken in China, Alibaba's leadership reshuffle, Grab's layoffs, and the upcoming J&T Express IPO. Stay informed, stay ahead, and stay connected to the dynamic world of business and technology. Referenced materials: Ecommerce in Southeast Asia 2023 https://momentum.asia/product/ecommerce-in-southeast-asia-2023/ Commentary: Why do so many Western tech firms fail in China? https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/why-western-tech-firms-fail-china-market-linkedin-amazon-wechat-3571801?cid=internal_sharetool_iphone_21062023_cna J&T Express: Highlights of draft IPO prospectus https://momentum.asia/product/jt-express-highlights-of-draft-ipo-prospectus/

Welcome back to The Impulso Podcast, your gateway to the fascinating world of business and technology. In this in-depth episode, we delve into the captivating realm of bubble tea, Southeast Asia's favorite drink. Building on the success of our viral report, "Bubble Tea - The Business Behind SEA's Favorite Drink," published in collaboration with Qlub in August 2022, we uncover the secrets behind the immense popularity of bubble tea and explore the lucrative market it has created. We kick off the episode by exploring the magnitude of the bubble tea market in Southeast Asia. Delve into its origins and the pivotal moment when it began to take off in the region. We also examine the factors that contribute to its universal appeal, making it a beloved beverage across diverse cultures and demographics. Transitioning to the business side of bubble tea, we delve into the process of starting a bubble tea business. Gain insights into the ease of entry into this market, the necessary steps involved, and the potential challenges and opportunities entrepreneurs may encounter. From sourcing ingredients to designing unique recipes, we walk you through the intricacies of launching a bubble tea venture. Naturally, the question of profitability arises. We explore the lucrative nature of the bubble tea industry and discuss the factors that contribute to its financial success. We dissect the different business models employed by bubble tea brands, ranging from affordable options to high-end establishments. Additionally, we delve into the concept of a "moat" and how players in the market build and sustain their competitive advantage. As we approach the conclusion of the episode, we address a crucial question: What advice would we give to someone who reads the staggering number of 3.6 billion, as highlighted in our viral report, and thinks it's time to start a bubble tea store or brand? We provide insights and considerations to help aspiring entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of the market and make informed decisions. Join us for this captivating episode of The Impulso Podcast, where we unveil the business of bubble tea. From understanding the market's size and appeal to exploring the journey of starting a bubble tea business and assessing its profitability, we provide a comprehensive exploration of this popular and lucrative industry. Report referenced: https://momentum.asia/product/bubble-tea-in-southeast-asia/ Momentum Academy’s immersive bubble tea workshop: https://www.momentum.academy/workshops-simulations-1/sip%2C-innovate%2C-repeat---lessons-on-innovation-

Welcome back to The Impulso Podcast by Momentum Works, your go-to source for in-depth coverage of the latest developments in business and technology.  In this edition of our weekly recaps, we delve into the latest headlines that are shaping the industry. From the appointment of GoTo's new CEO to Sam Altman's Asia tour, MissFresh's potential delisting, and the release of Momentum Works' E-commerce in Southeast Asia Report, we bring you the latest insights and analysis. We kick off the episode by discussing the recent changes at GoTo, Indonesia's largest internet company. Following the resignation of CEO Andre Soelistyo, we explore the appointment of Patrick Walujo, the managing partner of Northstar Group, as the new CEO. As we delve into GoTo's challenges, we analyze the relatively small ride-hailing business in Indonesia and the competitive dynamics in the e-commerce sector. We also examine GoTo's financial situation and the steps they've taken to control costs and increase revenue. Additionally, we discuss the next steps for GoTo and offer insights on potential strategies they should consider moving forward. Shifting our focus, we explore Sam Altman's presence in Asia. The CEO of OpenAI embarked on a world tour to escape the Silicon Valley bubble and gain a deeper understanding of global issues in AI. We highlight Altman's dialogue at Singapore Management University (SMU), where he engaged with developers, tech professionals, and industry players to discuss AI-related matters. We also touch upon his meetings with leaders like Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in Singapore and prominent business figures in Japan, South Korea, and India. We delve into Altman's perspectives on the regulation of AI, the importance of deploying technology responsibly, and the co-evolution of society and AI. In a significant development, we examine the delisting situation faced by MissFresh, a Chinese e-commerce platform specializing in high-quality fresh food. We delve into the reasons behind Nasdaq's delisting determination notice and explore MissFresh's response, including their request for a hearing. We also highlight MissFresh's violation of a listing rule and their previous operational challenges, which resulted in the suspension of flagship instant-delivery services and employee layoffs. As we conclude the episode, we share the exciting news following the release of Momentum Works' E-commerce in Southeast Asia Report. We address questions raised by the media, providing insights into the report's methodology and the factors behind TikTok Shop's remarkable growth. We also explore the contributions of different countries in Southeast Asia to this success and unravel the secrets behind TikTok Shop's rise. Happy listening! Materials referenced: E-commerce in Southeast Asia 2023 https://momentum.asia/product/ecommerce-in-southeast-asia-2023/ What does a new CEO mean for GoTo? https://thelowdown.momentum.asia/what-does-a-new-ceo-mean-for-goto/ Apples to apples: Benchmarking Shopee, Grab, GoTo and other major tech platforms https://momentum.asia/product/apples-to-apples-making-sense-of-and-comparing-key-data-metrics-of-major-tech-platform-companies/

Welcome back to The Impulso Podcast by Momentum Works, your go-to source for in-depth coverage of the latest developments in business and technology.  In this week’s in-depth episode, we give you a sneak peek into the content of Momentum Works’ Ecommerce in Southeast Asia report, available to download from tomorrow. Our special guest and Head of Insights for Momentum Works, Vion Yau, breaks down the need-to-know for the state of ecommerce in the region. Has the industry plateaued since the return of in-person shopping and rising inflation worldwide? Spoiler alert: it has not. Why? And, more importantly, how much exactly has it grown? Vion has the numbers for you. CEO and founder of Momentum Works, Jianggan Li is back with more insights into what the key players like Shopee and Lazada have been doing, and why JD and Shein decided to take a break from Indonesia. Plus, hear about Shopee’s grand plan to own the delivery process, and more. We tried our best to pry some topline numbers out of Vion for you, and it worked. Find out what the once booming industry was worth two years ago, and how that has changed to date. Learn about the differences between the market size in 2020 and 2022, and how players like Tik Tok Shop have established themselves and contributed to the growth. Also, dive into which companies did not pull their weight over the last two years, and what their plans are to turn that around. To conclude this episode, we talked about the different scenarios that could shape the future of the ecommerce industry, and the answers will shock you. Understand what the ramifications of war would be, and how the geopolitical landscape plays a hefty role in the fate of ecommerce. What are the best, normal, and worst case scenarios? We have all the answers and more here for you on this episode of the Impulso podcast. Materials referenced: Food delivery platforms in SEA (2023) https://momentum.asia/product/food-delivery-platforms-in-southeast-asia-2023/ Apples to apples: Benchmarking Shopee, Grab, GoTo and other major tech platforms https://momentum.asia/product/apples-to-apples-making-sense-of-and-comparing-key-data-metrics-of-major-tech-platform-companies/ Who is Temu? https://momentum.asia/product/who-is-temu/

This week, the hosts tackle Sequoia's strategic split into three firms, exploring the impacts on the startup ecosystem. Apple's Vision Pro is dissected, revealing its unique features and the company's surprising motives behind its late release. The SEC's legal battles with Binance and Coinbase are analyzed, highlighting the implications for the crypto landscape. Finally, Temu's aggressive expansion into Western markets raises questions about its future in Asia and competition with established players.